Water starting is easy to learn on any board, size isn't that much of an issue except that being able to uphaul for backup is important. All you need is enough wind and some basic instruction. Wind is one thing, but sail size is the other. If you are using a small sail, 4-5 meters, you will need a lot more wind to water start compared to a 7 or 8 meter sail. So whatever board you pick, make sure you are comfortable uphauling it in slightly choppy water. Lake Norman is pretty big and you could drift a long way if the board is too small to uphaul in small/medium waves. Stay close to shore when you are learning.

I learned on a longboard via trial and error in the 80's. When ever I fell to windward and didn't sink the sail, I gave waterstarting a try and before long, it just happened.

16th July 2012 12:50 AM

Unregistered

bic samba and alpha 291

hello, i have been away from windsurfing for a few years now. i am wanting to get back in again very badly. my previous boards have been longboards. i havent learned to waterstart yet. i am trying to find the cheapest way to get back into the sport. i have been offered to use a couple of boards from a friend to borrow while i am getting my finances together to look for a used one of my own. one is a bi samba 170 liters and the other an alpha 291 125 liters aka fanatic ultra shark 291. i weigh 145 pounds. do you think either of these boards have advantages over the other board. i do want to learn to waterstart. would either board be easier to learn that skill on. i sail mainly in 5-15 mph winds on lake norman in charlotte nc. i take trips to the nc coast as well as hatteras as often as i can. any insight and helpful suggestions we be very much appreciated. thanks, len

15th July 2012 10:57 PM

Unregistered

Hey,

thanks for all answers. Will stick to futura, switchblade and grand prix . Thanks again.

Best regards

13th July 2012 06:17 PM

Unregistered

Cant go wrong with Futura but remember it is a bit slalom dedicated... You might like to try a more playful board?? Kode/Syncro?RRD freestyle wave. They are still quick but easier gybing / jumping and at your weight early planing would be fine.. Just a thought ???

PS "witch board and sail" is what I said to wife when she tried windsurfing...

13th July 2012 03:27 PM

Ken

While I don't have a futura, I do have an isonic 111, plus a similar sized HiFly (bump and jump). Both are equally fast (7 years sailing with a GPS), but the HiFly gybes better and is MUCH better at chop hopping.

The foot straps on the isonics are wide/near the rails and jumping is crazy without your feet near the center line of the board (at least for me). Stay with the futura.

12th July 2012 11:05 PM

Unregistered

Hey,

thanks for advice farlo, but basicly I like windsurfing in flat water + speed (I can learn gybes and tacks more easy) . When I want jump I chop hop thats it im not jumping expert and waves dont attract me at all...

If I can just ask if SB isonic is better for gybes of futura win? Thanks

Best regards

12th July 2012 08:14 AM

Farlo

Well, you don't really need 3 cams in 5.2 but the Grand Prix is a lovely sail for sure. Take care when rigging it because the top of the mast panel is like cigarette paper. Otherwise the body is quite resistant. However many wave sails in similar size will be stronger, lighter, easier to rig/handle and almost as fast. If you think of buying a small wave board later, the wave sails may be a better option. It's up to you and of course a matter of price.

11th July 2012 06:20 PM

Unregistered

Hey,

thanks for answers . Where I windsurf? Well I live in Slovenia and here are not so many spots you can surf . But when weather change, it is preety windy, so we go surfing on lake (when its like 18+ knots) At summer we also go to coratia (car), Greece and Egypt (plane- I rent it there beacuse of shipping cost 300€ :0 so expensive). I also like surfing when there is little wind (I can learn) so Farlo thanks for advice.

About the smaller sail I found out naish grand prix (5.2sqm - great). It seems light, but some windsurfers said it is fragile. Is this good investment? Thanks

Best regards

11th July 2012 01:48 PM

Farlo

Agree with MP, you don't really need cams in sub seven sails if you're not in racing. Don't know the wind conditions where you sail but you may consider one thing. At 15 your weight is likely to increase. The 93 is perfect today but might become a bit small or limited in range, moreover if you plan to keep it several years. Maybe the 101 would be a better investment and you can add a 7.x to your quiver later. Also the extra width will help you through gybes and should remain comfortable, unless you have 20+ knots most of the time.

11th July 2012 01:24 PM

Macka Packa

I'd say you're on the right track, the 93L with a 5.0 and a 5.8 would be a great combo and you'll probably only need one mast. Sails to consider that are similar to a Switch Blade are KA Koncept, Severne Overdrive, Hot Sails, North, Pryde... pretty much every brand has a cammed free race sail in their line up. Or a cammless freerace like an NCX, Hellcat, Koyote... you might find them a little lighter to handle and they will still be very quick.

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